One of the most confusing aspects of learning Japanese is understanding the difference between は (wa) and が (ga). While both particles can indicate the subject of a sentence, their usage differs in meaning and emphasis. This guide will help clarify when to use each one.

Difference Between は & が 

In Japanese, the particle は (wa) is used to indicate the topic of a sentence, focusing on what the sentence is about and setting the context for the conversation. On the other hand, が (ga) is used to mark the subject, especially when introducing new information, emphasizing a particular element, or distinguishing it from others. Understanding the difference between these two particles is essential for forming clear and natural Japanese sentences.

1. Usage in Subordinate Clauses

When used in subordinate clauses, が (ga) is generally preferred over は (wa) because the focus is on specifying the subject of that clause.

Example:
 雨が降ると、寒くなります。
(Ame ga furu to, samuku narimasu.) – When it rains, it gets cold.

 雨は降ると、寒くなります。 (Unnatural)

Here, 雨が (ame ga) is used because it's specifying what causes the cold weather. Using は would be unnatural in this context.

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2. Usage in Contrasts (Implying "But")

The は (wa) particle often carries an implicit contrast, suggesting that while one thing is true, something else may not be.

Example:
 日本語は話せますが、書けません。
(Nihongo wa hanasemasu ga, kakemasen.) – I can speak Japanese, but I can’t write it.

Here, は (wa) is used to contrast speaking and writing abilities.

If we use が (ga) instead:
 日本語が話せますが、書けません。 (Sounds unnatural because が isn't typically used for contrast like this.)

3. Subject Emphasis vs. Natural Description

When simply describing a situation or an observable fact, が (ga) is more natural.

Example:
 月がきれいですね。
(Tsuki ga kirei desu ne.) – The moon is beautiful, isn’t it?

Using は here would shift focus away from the moon itself and might imply a contrast, like:
 月はきれいですね。 (The moon is beautiful, but maybe something else isn’t?)

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4. Use in Passive Sentences

In passive sentences, が (ga) is commonly used to mark the subject that undergoes the action.

Example:
 ドアが開けられました。
(Doa ga akeraremashita.) – The door was opened.

Using は instead:
ドアは開けられました。 (Sounds unnatural unless emphasizing that this door, in particular, was opened compared to others.)

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5. When to Drop Particles (Casual Speech)

In casual conversation, が (ga) is often dropped when it's clear from context, but は (wa) is usually kept.

Example:
 (Casual speech):
 これ好き！ (Kore suki!) – I like this!
(が is dropped after これ (kore), but it’s understood as これが好き。)

But for contrast:
 これは好きじゃない。 (Kore wa suki janai.) – I don’t like this (but maybe I like something else).
(は is kept because it’s making a contrast.)

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6. Politeness and Formality Differences

In formal writing or polite conversation, が (ga) is more frequently used when making objective statements or introductions.

Example:
 Formal speech:
 私が田中です。 (Watashi ga Tanaka desu.) – I am Tanaka. (Formal self-introduction)

 Casual speech:
 私は田中です。 (Watashi wa Tanaka desu.) – I am Tanaka. (More neutral or assuming the listener knows)

The が (ga) version sounds more neutral and factual, while は (wa) might imply “I am Tanaka, but maybe you're looking for someone else?”

Key Takeaways

1. Use が (ga) to specify or introduce new information (e.g., "Who came?" → 誰が来ましたか？)
    
2. Use は (wa) when making broad statements or contrasts (e.g., "I like sushi, but…" → 寿司は好きですけど…)
    
3. Use が (ga) in subordinate clauses and passive sentences (e.g., "When it rains…" → 雨が降ると…)
    
4. Use は (wa) to shift emphasis to what follows (e.g., "As for me, I am a student." → 私は学生です。)
    
5. In casual speech, が (ga) is often dropped, but は (wa) usually remains

FAQs  

1. Can I always replace は (wa) with が (ga)?

No. While both can mark the subject, replacing は with が changes the nuance. は introduces a topic or makes a general statement, while が emphasizes the subject or introduces new information.

Example:

• 私は学生です。 (Watashi wa gakusei desu.) – I am a student. (General statement)
   
• 私が学生です。 (Watashi ga gakusei desu.) – I am the student. (Implying contrast, as in "Not someone else.")

2. Why do question words (誰, 何, etc.) always use が (ga)?

Question words like 誰 (dare - who) and 何 (nani - what) introduce new information, which is why they require が instead of は.

Example:

• 誰が来ましたか？ (Dare ga kimashita ka?) – Who came?
   
• 何が好きですか？ (Nani ga suki desu ka?) – What do you like?

Using は here would sound unnatural.

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3. When should I use は (wa) instead of が (ga) in a sentence?

Use は when making broad statements, comparisons, or setting up a topic.

Example:

• 寿司は好きです。 (Sushi wa suki desu.) – I like sushi. (General statement)
   
• 寿司が好きです。 (Sushi ga suki desu.) – Sushi is what I like. (Emphasizing sushi)

If someone asks, "Do you like sushi?"

• Replying 寿司は好きです could imply "I like sushi, but I might not like other things."
   
• 寿司が好きです directly states “Sushi is what I like.”

4. Why does は (wa) sometimes imply contrast?

は often suggests a comparison or contrast, meaning that what follows is true, but something else might not be.

Example:

• 私は犬が好きです。 (Watashi wa inu ga suki desu.) – As for me, I like dogs. (Implying others might feel differently.)
   
• 犬は好きです。 (Inu wa suki desu.) – I like dogs. (But maybe not cats?)

5. Is が (ga) more common in formal writing?

Yes. が is used more in formal writing, scientific descriptions, and objective statements where the subject needs to be clearly identified.

Example:

• 地球が太陽の周りを回っています。 (Chikyuu ga taiyou no mawari o mawatte imasu.) – The Earth revolves around the Sun.
   
• この映画がとても面白いです。 (Kono eiga ga totemo omoshiroi desu.) – This movie is very interesting.

In casual speech, が is often dropped, and は is preferred when making general statements.